Due to pregnancy, Latvian mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča has withdrawn from the title role in The Royal Opera’s production of Carmen, which opens in December 2013. Georgian mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili will sing the role on 16, 19 and 22 December, making her debut with The Royal Opera. Casting for the performances on 3, 6 and 9 January 2014 will be announced in due course.

Anita Rachvelishvili has previously sung the role of Carmen in Berlin, Verona, La Scala, Milan, and at the Metropolitan Opera, New York. Her most recent performances include Amneris in Aida in Detroit and Carmen in Torino.